Under the title “PROTOTYPE – An exhibition of the Mercedes-Benz Art Collection at Studio Odeonsplatz”, the art collection of Mercedes-Benz will present the works of six international contemporary artists from 25 January to 22 March, 2025, who approach the phenomenon of the prototype and its potential for innovation in diverse ways. Inspired by the history of automotive design, contemporary media, and digital culture, their artworks merge the physical and digital realms. The pieces range from an experimental video game to blockchain-based integrations and visual compositions based on human breath. The exhibition was developed by the Mercedes-Benz Art Collection and external curator Christopher Dake-Outhet.
The Phenomenon “Prototype” – Between Vision and Standardization

Prototypes navigate the tension between creative vision and commercial standardization. They capture the moments before production transforms forward-thinking ideas into a product, embodying a belief in the future that is tested by market demands and the feasibility of series production. It is precisely in this space of possibilities where the potential of prototypes lies.

The prototype as a leitmotif builds a bridge between art and the automobile in the Mercedes-Benz Art Collection exhibition – two areas where prototypical thinking is of utmost relevance. With prototypes such as the Mercedes-Benz concept vehicles, some of which are displayed as scale models at Studio Odeonsplatz, Mercedes-Benz provides an insight into the versatility of technological visions. Artists, in turn, often embody the essence of the prototype by challenging traditional production methods and creating works that resist standardization. In doing so, they go beyond conventional consensus and the idea of practicality. Accordingly, the presentation at Studio Odeonsplatz invites the audience to understand the artworks as prototypes.
Artists

The “Temporal Secessionism” series by Paul Seidler questions alternative systems of time measurement. In „Timezone 5“, he focusses on the “production time” of industrial manufacturing processes which is decisive for many infrastructures and runs in parallel to coordinated universal time (UTC). In “Advanced Vehicle Transformation”, Simon Denny uses machine-assisted techniques and blockchain-based technology to create hybrid paintings. These painterly prototypes explore technological progress through motifs inspired by Mercedes-Benz Concept Cars and historical art movements. With an accompanying website that integrates the NFT component of the work, Denny examines unique forms of 'movement' by engaging with the foundational elements of the blockchain.

In “Key Exchange”, Sarah Friend combines methods of digital information security with automotive access control by incorporating a hardware wallet for cryptocurrencies into a Mercedes-Benz Smart Key. In doing so, she creates a prototype that integrates options for access denial and enablement within a single object. “Feral Metaverse” by Theo Triantafyllidis presents an experiment disguised as a multiplayer game that deliberately dispenses with technological 'advances'. Without clear goals or instructions, it fosters new forms of communication and togetherness in a gaming context.

In Salomé Chatriot's artworks, machine and organic qualities merge into bodily landscapes. Through sculpture, painting, and a rendering program that translates the artist’s breathing into images, she expands the exploration of technology to include the aspects of gender, identity, and physicality. In "Maschine", Harm van den Dorpel creates blockchain-based art that is constantly evolving. The NFT collection was created in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz NXT and is inspired by the so-called wagon wheel effect. Spoked wheels appear to rotate in contradiction to their actual speed and direction.
Events Surrounding the “PROTOTYPE” Exhibition at Studio Odeonsplatz (in English)

    Panel session on the role of the prototype in art and industry on 14 February 2025 with the artist Simon Denny, Anne Vieth (Head of Mercedes-Benz Art Collection) and Christopher Dake-Outhet (curator of the exhibition).
    Curator’s tour: Guided tour through the presentation “PROTOTYPE” with curator Christopher Dake-Outhet on 15 February 2025.
    Panel session & workshop on the artistic construction of digital identities in virtual space on 1 March 2025 with curator Stina Gustafsson and artist Sarah Friend.
    Art performance “Fragile Ecosystem” & Artist Talk with artist Salomé Chatriot, curator Christopher Dake-Outhet and Alina Grehl (Mercedes-Benz Art Collection) on 21 March 2025. 

For more information about the events and registration options, please see here.
The Mercedes-Benz Art Collection

The Mercedes-Benz Art Collection was founded in 1977 and is today one of the most important European corporate collections with museum quality and an international reputation. The collection includes around 3,000 works by more than 800 artists, including world-famous artists such as Cao Fei, Alicja Kwade, Charlotte Posenenske, Oskar Schlemmer, Franz Erhard Walther or Andy Warhol. The art collection focuses on abstract-constructive pictorial concepts and critical-engaged art, as well as representative works and commissioned works on themes such as automobility, design and construction. It embodies Mercedes-Benz’ broad social commitment to culture and education. With exhibitions of the artworks within the company and in museums, the Mercedes-Benz Art Collection makes it possible for a broad public to experience the collection. It attaches great importance to the acquisition of young art and is strongly committed to diversity. More information is available at mercedes-benz.art.
The Studio Odeonsplatz by Mercedes-Benz

Studio Odeonsplatz by Mercedes-Benz is an innovative concept where creativity, digitalization, art and content seamlessly merge into a single, unique brand experience. Spread across a lavish 400 sqm, Studio Odeonsplatz in the heart of Munich is an integrated physical and digital platform for our guests to network, talk to each other, and get inspiration. Constantly changing campaigns, exclusive themed worlds and cutting-edge installations – created in collaboration with leading designers, artists, tech experts and makers – fill Studio Odeonsplatz with vibrant life. The concept is topped off with a coworking and community area, complete with super speedy Wi-Fi and sweeping city views. More information is available at Studio Odeonsplatz by Mercedes-Benz.

Thirty years ago, the brand with the star launched a van that was to make history: the Sprinter. As the first Mercedes-Benz van with a resonant name, it revolutionised the light commercial vehicle segment in 1995 – and quickly became the namesake for an entire vehicle class. Then as now, it stands for quality and innovation. The Sprinter impresses customers worldwide and has a high repurchase rate, also thanks to its popularity among bodybuilders and conversion specialists, which continue to customise it for a wide range of applications. Seventy-five percent of all Sprinter worldwide are converted. Mercedes-Benz is kicking off the celebrations for the Sprinter anniversary year with an attractive special edition and a special presentation of the first-generation Sprinter as well as the current Sprinter and its battery-electric equivalent, the eSprinter, at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The activations are accompanied by a marketing campaign under the motto "An Icon for 30 Years," highlighting the segment-defining influence of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

"With the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, we have had an iconic van in our portfolio for 30 years now. During this time, the Sprinter has written an unprecedented success story and has been sold many times worldwide. We expect to crack the five million mark of sold vehicles before the end of this year. For three decades, it has been shaping people's lives and keeping the world running. Whether in emergency services, delivery services, in the trades or on construction sites - the Sprinter has established itself as the perfect business partner. For about five years now, it has also been available as a fully electric vehicle, operating locally CO₂ emission-free."
Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans
30 years of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

For 30 years, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has shaped the streetscape worldwide. It is built on three continents – North America, South America, and Europe. Its most important milestones include:

    1995: The beginning of a new van era

The Sprinter celebrated its premiere in spring 1995 and thus qualifies for an H number plate in Germany.
1995 was a milestone in many respects. The Sprinter succeeded the legendary T1/TN and was the first van with a star that had a name instead of sober number and letter codes. It only took over the basic technical concept from its predecessor, everything else was engineered and designed from scratch. The combination of a self-supporting body and high-traction rear-wheel drive, modern chassis with independent front suspension and powerful engines was unique back then. What's more, no other van offered more safety features at the time: Already the first Sprinter had disc brakes all round, ABS anti-lock braking system, automatic brake differential, height-adjustable three-point seat belts and seat belt buckles attached to the seat as standard. A driver airbag was optionally available. The first Sprinter generation was launched in 1995 as a chassis, flatbed, or tipper, each with a crewcab or single cab, as a panel van or crewbus with five or nine seats, with a flat or high roof. The wheelbases ranged from 3000 to 4025 millimetres. The permissible gross mass was initially 2590, 2800 or 3500 kilograms.
Mercedes-Benz also emphasised the topic of safety in the extensive update in 2000: The driver's airbag was now also part of the standard equipment, with an optional front passenger airbag that also protected passengers on the inside of a front passenger double bench seat. Windowbags and traction control ASR were also available from mid-2000. With the introduction of the ESP® electronic stability programme, the Sprinter set new standards in active safety from 2002.

    2006: Technology and safety upgrade for the second Sprinter generation

The second generation of the Sprinter was launched at the beginning of 2006. Customers could welcome additional variance: They could choose between three wheelbases, four lengths, three roof heights and a total weight from 3.0 to 5.0 tonnes. In addition, the Electronic Stability Program ESP® was introduced as standard in the closed versions up to 3.5 tonnes gross weight.

Two years later, it was standard on all body variants up to 3.5 tonnes gross weight. An optional air suspension system to increase comfort and safety was added to the range from 2008. Another milestone followed in 2009 with the introduction of BlueEFFICIENCY: The technology with the new six-speed manual gearbox and automatic start-stop system increased dynamics and noticeably reduced fuel consumption. 2013 saw the introduction of Crosswind Assist, a completely new safety system in a van. From 2016, the Sprinter was available with 5.5 tonnes.

    2018/2019: Connectivity and variety at the centre of the third Sprinter generation

The third generation of the Sprinter was launched in 2018. The Sprinter not only retained its existing range of variants, but expanded it, thanks in part to the introduction of front-wheel drive and thus the new traction head variant. The 2018 Sprinter set new standards, particularly in terms of infotainment and connectivity, thanks to the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system, which was available for the first time in a commercial vehicle. Since then, the Sprinter has been obeying spoken commands and enabled the use of central fleet, vehicle, driver, and location-based services. In terms of safety features, Mercedes-Benz once again raised the vehicle to a new level, for example with DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist.

The next milestone came in 2019: The first production-ready eSprinter panel van was launched, offering the possibility of locally CO₂-emission-free mobility for trade, logistics, and business with its battery-electric drive.

    2024: More versatile than ever

The triad of efficiency, range and load volume makes the current Mercedes Benz eSprinter a versatile all-rounder. The eSprinter has been available in its current form since last year; now in two body styles and lengths as well as with three battery sizes and a range of up to 478 kilometres (WLTP) [1]. It is based on a new concept consisting of three modules that allow the platform to be easily adapted to further vehicle variants. This also opens up completely new possibilities for bodybuilders and conversion specialists to develop industry-specific solutions based on the eSprinter. With a load volume of up to 14 cubic metres and a gross weight of up to 4.25 tonnes, the eSprinter also proves to be just as functional as its counterpart with a combustion engine.

Updates in terms of connectivity and safety have also been available for the eSprinter – as well as for the conventionally powered Sprinter – since last year. Both models benefit from an updated MBUX multimedia system – which is on board as standard now – and new Digital Extras. The safety and assistance systems have also been upgraded with additional and, in some cases, new functions that are already on board for the most part in the standard equipment. For example, the standard Active Brake Assist now includes the cross-traffic function.
With the latest changes, a 22 kW AC charger and a driving assistance package[2] can be ordered as special equipment. The latter includes, for example, additional functions of the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC (among others Route Based Speed Adaptation and Active Speed Limit Assist ).
Further information can be found here.
Attractive special edition for the 30th anniversary

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its iconic van with the special edition "30 Years Sprinter," which will be sold from early February. The special edition showcases everything the Sprinter can do with its extensive equipment and emphasizes the premium aspects of the van. Building on the SELECT line (with e.g. comfort seat including lumbar support for the driver, comfort overhead control panel and LED High-Performance headlights including the Adaptive High Beam Assist), the package includes the new driver assistance package and additional comfort features as integrated special equipment with a significant price advantage. The special edition "30 Years Sprinter" starts in Germany at 58.055,27 Euro[3] for purchase.
Special presentation at the Mercedes-Benz Museum

From 4 February to 30 March, visitors at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart can learn about the history of the Sprinter family. On display: the first-generation Sprinter as well as the current Sprinter and eSprinter. The first visitors can look forward to a special anniversary present when buying their tickets. There will also be a pop-up corner in the museum shop with Sprinter fan merchandise.

[1] The specified values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) measurement procedure. The values stated refer to the German market. The actual range is also dependent on the individual driving style, road and traffic conditions, the outside temperature, use of the air conditioning system/heating and may differ.

The 63rd edition of the Rolex 24 At Daytona will take place from 23 to 26 January. The endurance race at the Daytona International Speedway in the US state of Florida is the opening of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. For Mercedes-AMG, this marks the start of the title defence mission. The performance and sports car brand from Affalterbach won all six titles in GTD class contested in the 2024 IMSA series and therefore goes into the new season as the reigning champion. The foundation for this triumph was laid at last year's 24-hour race in Daytona with a GTD victory.

The first test sessions in the run-up to the endurance classic took place last weekend at the Roar Before The Rolex 24. The weather conditions were very changeable throughout the weekend. This led to delays and shortened sessions on Sunday. The Mercedes-AMG teams primarily used the test runs to optimise the torque sensors on the drive shafts - which have been mandatory in the IMSA series since this season. A total of 61 cars have been entered for this year's edition in the GTP, LMP2, GTD Pro and GTD classes. Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing is represented by a powerful line-up of five teams, each fielding one Mercedes-AMG GT3, and 20 drivers in the GTD Pro and GTD classes. Team GetSpeed and 75 Express will be competing in the GTD Pro class, while Lone Star Racing, Korthoff Competition Motors and Winward Racing in the GTD class. The starting positions for the 24-hour race will be determined in qualifying next Thursday.

GTD Pro class: Two Mercedes-AMG GT3
Team GetSpeed will start the race with American Anthony Bartone and AMG Performance Drivers Maxime Martin, Fabian Schiller and Luca Stolz in car number #69. Belgian Maxime Martin, who has been racing for AMG since January, will drive at Daytona a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the first time.

Team owner Kenny Habul and Performance Drivers Maro Engel, Jules Gounon and Mikaël Grenier will share the cockpit of the #75 Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the Australian Team 75 Express. Maro Engel and Jules Gounon were part of the GTD Pro winning team in 2023.

GTD class: Three Mercedes-AMG GT3
Winward Racing will line up with AMG Performance Drivers Lucas Auer and Philip Ellis as well as Indy Dontje and Russell Ward - Dontje, Ellis and Ward were also part of the line-up for the GTD victories in 2021 and 2024. The German-Texan team has its sights set on defending the title with the #57 Mercedes-AMG GT3.

The two Performance Drivers Maximilian Götz and Daniel Morad will line up for Korthoff Competition Motors. Kenton Koch and Seth Lucas complete the line-up of the #32. Götz and Koch have also being part of the squad last year. The team saw the chequered flag in fifth position.

Scott Andrews, Dan Knox and Eric Filgueiras will be joined this year by AMG Performance Driver Ralf Aron in the #80 Mercedes-AMG GT3 from Lone Star Racing. The 26-year-old is competing in a race at Daytona for the first time, but already tested with the team at Daytona International Speedway in December. The team made its debut at the 2024 Rolex 24 At Daytona and finished the race in place eight.

Today, adidas announces a multi-year partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, which unites two icons in one of the world’s fastest growing sports. The collaboration represents a significant moment in adidas’ history as it enters the pinnacle of motorsport: Formula 1®.

Built on a shared commitment to performance and excellence, the partnership leverages adidas’ 75-years of experience working with athletes at the top of their game to support the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team in driving success.

Throughout the 2025 season and beyond, adidas and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team will create a complete range of apparel, footwear and accessories for the entire team and its fanbase.

The partnership will break new ground in a sport where milliseconds make the difference. The specially designed team kit will be built for the individual needs of each member’s role and made available to fans as well. The partnership will also include apparel, footwear and accessories created and designed specifically for supporters of the team and its drivers. Several limited-edition drops are also planned throughout the year.

Bjørn Gulden, CEO of adidas, said: “We are very happy to be back in the world of motorsport. Interest in motorsport in general and Formula 1 in particular has been growing a lot. It is reaching new consumers and has a big influence on sport and street culture. We are extremely proud to introduce the Three Stripes into F1 as Official Team Partner of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team – one of the most successful teams ever. Together, we share the passion for speed, innovation and performance. We will support the drivers and the team to push the limits on the track. Off the track we will bring a fresh perspective to the sport by introducing exciting lifestyle product and extending the reach to a new generation of fans. We look forward to supporting Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 and to win together.”

Toto Wolff, Co-owner, CEO and Team Principal of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team said: “Our partnership with adidas is a clear statement of intent as we begin to write our next chapter as a team. adidas is an iconic brand, one that shares our dedication not only to peak performance but to style and sophistication too. This announcement therefore represents a groundbreaking collaboration that will redefine what team and fanwear means in our sport. We are excited to break this new ground and work with adidas as we collectively strive to fight for world championships.”

Richard Sanders, Chief Commercial Officer of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, added: “Performance is at the heart of everything we do. The core of our relationship with adidas is rooted in that belief. They are an iconic brand that has achieved record-breaking success in so many other sports. To bring them into F1 as part of our team is therefore not only a great honour, but also incredibly exciting. We look forward to working with them on reinventing what teamwear means to chase every millisecond of performance on and off the track.

“Our shared value of innovation will also be focused on bringing a refreshed energy to our wider fanwear ranges. F1 is riding a cultural wave at present, and we will build on this to provide apparel, footwear, and accessories that appeal to our loyal fanbase whilst engaging new audiences that continue to discover our sport and our team.”

The adidas x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team apparel range will be unveiled next month, as all eyes turn towards the 2025 Formula 1 season and will be available to purchase from adidas.com/motorsports, mercedesamgf1.com, and a worldwide range of adidas wholesale accounts.

About adidas  

adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 59,000 people across the globe and generated sales of € 21.4 billion in 2023.  

Mercedes-Benz has updated its conditionally automated driving system DRIVE PILOT and has now received the approval by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority. With this milestone all is set for the upcoming sales release in early 2025 in Germany. This update makes DRIVE PILOT the fastest certified system for conditionally automated driving (SAE‑Level 3[1]) in a standard production vehicle. It’s optionally available on two luxury saloon car ranges – S-Class and EQS. The price of DRIVE PILOT remains unchanged (starting at 5,950 euros incl. VAT). Cars with DRIVE PILOT, that have been already built, get the update for free – either via the internet (Over-the-Air-Update) or during a visit at the workshop. There is no need to change any vehicle components for the software update.

“With innovative technologies from Mercedes‑Benz, we always want to offer our customers added value. When DRIVE PILOT is activated, it is possible to concentrate on other things while the car takes over the driving task. With the further developed version, which has now been certified by Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority, this is also possible at 95 km/h in Germany under certain conditions. It makes me very proud that the world's fastest system for conditionally automated driving is coming from Mercedes‑Benz. I am confident that with our safety-focused approach we are right on track to celebrate more automated driving milestones soon.”
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Purchasing

With this latest upgrade, DRIVE PILOT can be used in flowing traffic up to 95 km/h under certain conditions on the entire 13,191 km-long German Autobahn network. This allows customers to drive more frequently and for longer periods of time in automated driving mode, while using their free time better. When DRIVE PILOT is activated, it is legally allowed for the driver to enjoy other activities, such as watching TV or even streaming a movie via services like Sony’s RIDEVU app, reading the newspaper (physically, or through the MBUX system), working or simply relaxing while the car is driving conditionally automated.
Redundant system architecture for safety

Safety remains the top priority for this updated version of DRIVE PILOT. This is why the system has a redundant design, which means that important functions such as electrics, steering and braking are built in twice. If necessary, the system is always able to transfer the driving task back to the person behind the steering wheel. If the driver fails to take back control even after increasingly urgent prompting and expiration of the takeover time (e.g., due to a severe health problem), the system brakes the vehicle to a standstill in a controlled manner while engaging the hazard warning lights. More than 35 sensors such as cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors, and LiDAR (laser-radar) are used. These work according to different physical principles and thus create redundancies for precise real-time detection of the environment. For SAE‑Level 3 and higher, the use of LiDAR is essential for Mercedes‑Benz for safe automated driving. In combination with a very detailed digital map, a special positioning system ensures that DRIVE PILOT knows exactly on which highway lane the vehicle is driving on – in the range of a few centimetres.
The future of autonomous driving

The development at Mercedes‑Benz goes on with the goal to offer customers even more: higher speeds, longer driving times without intervention by the driver and even more comfort and safety. Road traffic will get safer the more automated driving vehicles populate the roads. Currently, the legally allowed top speed for conditionally automated driving in Germany is 130 km/h. Mercedes‑Benz wants to achieve this speed range by the end of this decade.

Development also considers aspects that are not directly linked with the technology for automated driving: Mercedes‑Benz is the world’s first automobile manufacturer to develop special turquoise lights that indicate from the outside whether DRIVE PILOT is active. This enables other road users to recognize a Level 3 vehicle and feel comfortable if they see a driver who reads a book, for example. This is poised to substantially enhance public acceptance of automated driving vehicles. This also allows traffic law enforcement and police officers to identify the system’s status. Although the use of such “Automated Driving Marker Lights” has not yet been permitted in Germany, the feedback from the first test round in the U.S. is positive. End of 2023, the authorities of California and Nevada had approved those “Automated Driving Marker Lights” for testing purposes or respectively for later use in production vehicles.

[1] SAE Level 3: The automated driving function takes over certain driving tasks. However, a driver is still required. The driver must be ready to take control of the vehicle at all times when prompted to intervene by the vehicle.